The role of the Technical Advisor Animal Detection System (ADS) - Mine Detection Dogs (MDD) – (TA-MDD) is to lead the implementation of FSD Mine Action programme’s objectives in Ukraine, Technical Survey (TS) and land release processes through the use of ADS, namely MDD. He/She will be responsible for the management, supervision and development of various operational MDD teams in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

Roles and Responsibilities:

The roles and objectives of the TA - MDD are:

• Supervise and lead the MDD team, Team Leader, and all relevant MDD personnel in the area of responsibility.
• Work in coordination with other FSD clearance assets and align operational priorities with donor objectives and programme outputs.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of relevant technical and operational developments in ADS/MDD and the wider HMA sector.
• Contribute to strengthening relationships with local and national stakeholders and promote FSD’s core values.
• Assist in developing and updating operational SOPs related to MDD operations in line with IMAS/NMAS and FSD requirements.
• Ensure accreditation and compliance with operational quality assurance/quality control processes.
• Train MDD teams to ensure sustained operational effectiveness and full conformity with monthly MDD testing requirements.
• Develop capacity development plans for national MDD staff.
• Plan, oversee, and conduct MDD training, including imprinting, testing, health, and performance monitoring.
• Maintain a functional reporting system for MDD operations, training, testing, and capacity development.
• Provide regular operational reports and performance data to relevant FSD personnel and external actors as required.
• Ensure accurate documentation and record-keeping in line with FSD reporting systems.

Requisite Qualifications:

• Certified ADS Instructor (MDD Instructor) in accordance with Test and Evaluation Protocol 07.31 (02/2022).

Duration:

• Limited contract until 31 December 2026 (with possible extension until 31 August 2027)

Competencies

Mandatory Competencies:

• Extensive experience in the operational use of MDDs in humanitarian mine action, with minimum 5 years direct operational experience.
• Comprehensive knowledge of all technical aspects of MDD operations (training methodology, imprinting, testing, health management, operational deployment).
• Proven experience implementing land release methodologies in mine clearance contexts.
• Experience using a full HMA toolbox approach, including the integration of MDD assets.
• Operational MMD experience.
• Strong understanding of IMAS and land release principles.
• Good knowledge of all techniques and equipment used in demining operations.
• Experience in leadership and team training.
• Valid Category B driving licence.

Preferable Competencies:

• Proven experience and knowledge in information management and data analysis.
• English proficiency.
• Well organized, proactive, flexible and trustworthy.